David was the beloved and cherished husband of his devoted wife of decades, Amy Swift Jernigan. When he and Amy met in 1995, they quickly knew they had met the loves of their lives.
David was the son of Kenneth Thomas and Edna Muriel Blakeman. He was the loving father to his son Todd Christopher Blakeman (Melissa) and grandfather to Max, Riley and Harper Blakeman. He also leaves to mourn his much loved dogs ‘Molly’ and ‘Forrest.’
David was born in Nashua, New Hampshire and spent his adult life in Long Beach, California and Falmouth, Virginia. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from California State University at Long Beach, CA where he studied Criminal Justice.
David was a proud Veteran of the U.S. Navy and of the Vietnam War.
His career focus was as a transportation security and safety consultant after a long career in the defense sector with Northrop Grumman.
A graveside service for David will be held Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at 2:00 PM, at the Chattanooga National Cemetery, 1200 Bailey Avenue, presided over by Chaplain Brian Davis, followed by a gathering at the Mountain City Club, 729 Chestnut Street.
Pallbearers are: Chris Harris, Patrick Harris, George Andrews, Kenny Dunlevy, Jim Griffin, Michael Jinks and John McMillin.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Virginia in September of this year.
For condolences, please contact David’s family via the Chattanooga Funeral Home website at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in David’s honor to his favorite charity, Labrador Retriever Rescue of the Potomac (LRCP), P.O. Box 1814, Annandale, VA 22003 or via their website https://www.lab-rescue.org/giving.
